Two arrested after Greater Manchester Police seize £2m of gold and jewellery in largest haul ever

GMP reported that it was alerted to a suspicious vehicle at Manchester Airport at approximately 11:40 p.m. on October 30. When officers attended, they discovered seven gold bars inside the vehicle, with an estimated total value of £700,000.

Following an initial investigation over the weekend, two suspects were identified and later arrested on Monday night upon their return to the UK on an inbound flight. The men, aged 49 and 45, were detained on suspicion of money laundering and remain in custody for questioning as inquiries continue, police said.

A further search of their luggage uncovered an additional £1 million worth of gold and jewellery. Searches at the suspects’ addresses in Bradford, West Yorkshire, also led to the discovery of gold bars valued at about £60,000, along with a £30,000 watch and a quantity of cash.

In total, the amount of gold seized is thought to be the largest in GMP’s history.

“Following initial inquiries, we have begun a money laundering investigation and have been working through all information available to us as part of this work,” said Detective Inspector Sarah Langley, from GMP’s economic crime unit.

“Any discovery of this size is of course something we want to explore all reasons for, and our specialist officers are currently determining the reasons for the gold and jewellery being brought into the country.

“Any offences regarding money or the illegal dealing and possession of goods is something we will simply never tolerate, and we will always act to ensure people are acting within the confines of the law. If this is something that you may have knowledge of, please do get in touch with us, as your information could greatly assist with our work.”

GMP said it could be contacted via its website at gmp.police.uk, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.